Collateral Damage Daily for July 19

David Ortiz was placed on 15-day DL because of an injured right Achilles tendon suffered on an Adrian Gonzalez home run. An MRI showed that the Achilles was strained, not ruptured, and a second opinion recommended a trip to the DL. Even though the injury is described as not torn, thatís not entirely true. Any strain has some tearing of the fibers; itís a question of what degree. As a rule of thumb, when you hear about a mild or Grade I strain, the injury typically involves less than 20 percent of the structure. Moderate or Grade II strains involve between 20 percent and 80 percent. If something is described as torn or ruptured, it usually involves more than 80 percent of the tissue. Ortiz suffered a mild strain, one that doesnít sound like it approaches even the 20 percent level. With the exception of a partial Achilles tear, all players in our database recovered in four weeks or fewer. Mauro Gomez was brought up from Pawtucket.

Charlie Furbush had to leave Tuesdayís game with a strained triceps and is going to be placed on the DL today. When he left the game, the hope was that it was just tightness and he would be better in a few days. When he tried to throw his bullpen yesterday, though, it was apparent that he wasnít going to be ready. Starting pitchers average 47 DL days, but he is expected to return sooner. Steve Delabar will be called up.

Jhonatan Solano is expected to be placed on the 15-day DL with a strained oblique that he first injured over the weekend. The catchers for the Nationals have had it particularly hard between the injuries to Ramos, Carlos Maldonado, and Sandy Leon. Catchers take the second-longest to recover from oblique strains, behind pitchers. No word yet on how long the Nats expect Solano to be out, but in the interim, Sandy Leon will be called up.

Subtractions

Colby Lewis was activated from the disabled list yesterday in time for his start against Oakland. He spent 24 days on the DL and didnít have a set pitch count. Unfortunately, he had to leave in the fifth inning because of tightness in his forearm. There doesnít appear to be that much public concern but there has to be at least a little bit internally. Right now, heís day-to-day. Martin Perez was optioned down to Round Rock to make room for Lewis.

Justin De Fratus was activated from the disabled list yesterday but was optioned to Lehigh Valley. De Fratus was out for 114 days, which is now the longest in the database so far that has not required surgery, and itís more than double the average 49 days. He will be able to get more consistent work down in the minors.